Stevie Ray Vaughan statue gets life vest amid flood fears

Arianna Auber @ariauber

Thursday

Oct 18, 2018 at 10:20 AMOct 18, 2018 at 2:35 PM

When water levels of Lady Bird Lake were anticipated to rise in downtown Austin today, a concerned citizen made sure the statue of beloved blues musician Stevie Ray Vaughan, at least, would be prepared: He is now outfitted with a life vest.

As noted on social media by KVUE reporter Jay Wallis, an orange life vest adorns the neck of the bronze statue, a memorial to the late guitarist.

"Someone out there is caring for one of Austin’s most well known statues today!" he wrote on Facebook. "When I showed up to Lady Bird Lake earlier this morning, this life vest had already been placed on our Stevie Ray Vaughan statue. Four more floodgates are expected to be opened at the Mansfield Dam later today, causing the water to rise even more. Looks like Stevie will be ready for whatever happens."

A recent update from the Lower Colorado River Authority now says there's no need to open the floodgates today to provide relief to an overflowing Lake Travis, the result of rain storms, falling since Sunday, that have led to flooding in the Hill Country. But up to four additional floodgates may still be opened up over the next few days, according to the agency.

The Stevie Ray Vaughan statue is located on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail near Lady Bird Lake. The trail was closed earlier this week because of the rising water levels, so you won't be able to see Stevie Ray Vaughan's new accessory for yourself.

But Stevie will stay safe, no matter what happens.

Earlier this morning, someone came out to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail to put a life vest on the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue near Lady Bird Lake. Four more floodgates are expected to be opened at the Mansfield Dam later today, causing this water to rise even more. pic.twitter.com/swM9JioYDg

— Jay Wallis (@KVUEJayWallis) October 18, 2018// // ////

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